AR, Béal Feirste Cover Photo Credit: Ciara McMullan Photography In January 2017, the leading parties in the Stormont executive, the DUP (Democratic Unionist Party) and Sinn Féin, split over the DUP’s handling of a green energy scandal, causing the executive to collapse. This meant that, in the absence of executive ministers, civil servants were running the country. However, because…
Category: Irish Society
Imperial Morality in Turmoil
AH, BAC The humanitarian response towards Ukraine and its people from Ireland has been unprecedented. This country is known for its staunch and proud defence of Palestine, and has outdone itself in its support for Ukraine. Something about this war has invoked a deep sense of humanitarianism and empathy, that no other event has, or…
Ireland’s neutrality must be respected and upheld at all costs
Since the state’s formation, neutrality in international affairs has been a key tenet of foreign policy considerations in the 26 counties. However, it is a tenet that has seen continuous challenges from successive governments, and has been eroded by measures such as the south’s participation in EU Battlegroups, and by its co-operation with the EU’s…
Hypocrisy at the Height of Football
Why is it deemed acceptable to show solidarity with Ukraine but not other nations experiencing oppression? Recent decisions on the part of UEFA and FIFA punishing Russian teams for their countries invasion of Ukraine, raise the question as to why similar action has been resisted against other states in the past
Still a Long Way from 25 May
Denial of access to abortion services has the potential to jeopardise a persons physical and mental health and denies them autonomy, dignity and freedom. The denial of abortion access is a form of violence and oppression and reflects a patriarchal agenda concerned with the control of the sexuality and bodies of women and pregnant people. It is crucial that we stand with women and pregnant people and ensure that they are given the reproductive rights and care that they deserve.
Diary of a Dunnes Worker
In a time of growing living costs, and stagnant wages, a Dunnes worker stresses that there really is power in a union and that a better future is possible if we unionise.
What Makes a Free Press?
The concept of a free press has always been pushed in capitalist society. Journalists and newspapers, we’re told, act as a force of neutral arbitrators, who bring the truth to the people and offer honest analysis of current affairs. This simplistic definition, however, hides the true nature of the so-called “free” press and, in the name of free speech, affords them freedom from criticism.
The Killing of George Nkencho
The recent shooting of George Nkencho has re-started the debate regarding Black Lives Matter, racism, the role of the Gardaí and all lives/white lives matter. The Connolly Youth Movement has had a few members attend the recent solidarity vigils and many of us have engaged in extensive debate with members of the public. This commentary has been formulated from those discussions.
Ireland Has Seen Green-Opportunism From Eamon Ryan Before
Eamon Ryan has been leaking internal information to apply pressure to his fellow party members to go into coalition. Green Party councillors have supported Fianna Fáil candidates in local areas. Green Party councillors voted to privatise O’Devaney Gardens social housing.
The Irish Constitution Puts Property Rights Before Human Rights
Ireland has among the strongest property rights recognition in the world. Imagine if, instead of protecting the right to property, the Constitution protected the right to housing. If the might of the government vindicated every individual’s right to shelter.